What if Kermit Appeared in the Cat in the Hat?
Fraggle Rock, in case you didn’t remember
Today, we must tip our hats to two people who shaped – at least a small part of our lives. September 24th is the date that Jim Henson was born and also the date that Dr. Seuss passed away. Green Eggs and Ham has always been a favorite of mine, and also a green frog named Kermit. The Grinch and Oscar kinda had a similar thing going, too. A little-known fact here – Henson’s and Seuss’s work came together in the late 1990’s in a show that aired on Nickelodeon. It was a tough watch. Nickelodeon forced it – and it didn’t last.
I couldn’t get through the whole episode
Sometimes, when conducting workshops, I use a rubber band to show participants that its flexibility is lost when the rubber band is tight. I firmly believe creativity is lost as the band gets tighter. The test kitchen for this has been myself. I have been in a pressure cooker of sorts for a number of years – and as I worked harder and harder to find my way out of it, I only seemed to get deeper and deeper into it. I couldn’t imagine writing a blog. When this was all going on – I couldn’t even get in a good workout because the stress of my work life and family life consumed my every thought.
Stretching means loss of flexibility - Stress sucks…the life out of you
The stress began to subside about a year ago, and as my mind became free to be creative, I realized how creativity in and of itself is a faucet of our experiences. It is kind of like expression, problem-solving, adaptability, and advancement all at the same time. I’ve done a few art projects, which are really cool. It is a fantastic feeling to do something with your hands that goes on the wall of your house. Then, when people come over, they ask about it. It’s so much better than the pictures that can be purchased at Bed Bath and Beyond for 29 bucks.
In the classroom, creativity isn't just about painting a masterpiece or composing a symphony. In the educational context, it refers to novel ways of thinking, the capacity to imagine beyond the ordinary, and the courage to challenge the status quo. It encourages children to think out of the box, approach problems with a fresh perspective, and celebrate their unique voices.
This is one of a couple of times they partnered up
And, as for our friends Seuss and Henson, their creative partnership would have been incredible if they’d gotten together when they were alive. I recall watching Pavarotti singing with Sting and then with Bono. We have to find ways to make people free to do their best work in our classrooms and in our schools. Stressed-out teachers and administrators who have their energy sapped by outside forces such as horrific administrators, and angry, hateful social media attacks on their teaching methods, schools, and districts aren’t at their best for our students. Do what you can to give those who are working with your children a clear path to be their best. All it takes is some encouraging words. If you are a parent who sits idly and doesn’t get involved often – take a minute to send your child’s teacher, principal, or other staff a note of thanks and encouragement.